Estelle (2010)

A tropical cyclone formed from a tropical wave that moved off Africa on 22 July and crossed Central America into the eastern Pacific. A weak low developed south of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and organized into a tropical depression about 120 nautical miles southwest of Acapulco at 0000 UTC on 6 August 2010. The system became Tropical Storm Estelle 12 hours later, moved generally west to west‑northwest, reached its peak on 8 August, then weakened as it moved over cooler waters and into a more stable, sheared environment. Estelle degenerated to a remnant low by 0600–1200 UTC on 10 August and was absorbed by the Intertropical Convergence Zone late on 10 August.

Estelle did not make landfall. It formed and stayed well offshore of the coast of southern Mexico and remained over open waters for its entire life, so no coastal watches or warnings were required.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds peaked at 55 knots (approximately 63 mph) around 0000–0600 UTC on 8 August, with a minimum central pressure near 994 mb. This peak intensity corresponds to a strong tropical storm (below hurricane strength).

There were no reports of storm surge or measured coastal surge impacts associated with Estelle, and no significant rainfall totals tied to the storm were reported in the official record. Because the cyclone remained offshore, observations were limited to satellite estimates and remote sensing; no ships reported tropical‑storm‑force winds.

No deaths, injuries, or damage were reported to the National Hurricane Center in association with Estelle. The cyclone’s chief notable aspects were that it ended a 44‑day lull in eastern Pacific tropical storm activity for that season and that its formation was poorly anticipated until about 36 hours before genesis. NHC track and intensity forecasts for Estelle performed better than average for that period, with official forecasts generally more accurate than guidance at most forecast times.